Thirteen caught without TV licence

Thirteen young adults in Banbridge between the ages of 18 and 25 were caught watching live TV without a TV Licence in the past year, according to new figures released by TV Licensing.

With 75 per cent of first year undergraduates aged 25 and under, TV Licensing is reminding freshers that they could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 if they are caught watching live TV, on any device, without a TV Licence.

Recent research by TV Licensing shows 29 per cent think TV Licensing can’t catch people watching live TV on a computer, laptop or mobile device and just over half of students believe that people in general are unlikely to be caught if they watch live TV without a TV Licence.

Karen Grimason, spokesperson for TV Licensing Northern Ireland, said: “Every year myths circulate around campus about when you do and don’t need a licence. We want to make sure students know one is needed by law to watch or record live TV, on any device including a laptop, tablet, mobile phone or games console.

“To avoid the risk of prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000, we encourage students to check if they need a licence on our website – www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo – or by calling 0300 790 6113.”